Bulgaria is one of the best European allies of China, according to visiting Bulgarian president Rosen Plevneliev.

Plevneliev is the first head of state visiting China in 2014. “It truly proves the deep friendship between our two countries,” said Plevneliev at the China-Bulgaria Economic and Trade Forum held in Beijing on Tuesday.

China and Bulgaria decided to set up an all-round friendly partnership on Monday in order to deepen the political mutual trust and promote the comprehensive cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, education, culture among other areas, according to Plevneliev.

He also spoke highly of China’s cooperation with central and eastern European countries, adding that he is committed to participating in the process.

Bulgaria established diplomatic relations with China on Oct. 4, 1949, becoming the second country in the world that recognized the People’s Republic of China. 2014 marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-Bulgarian diplomatic ties.

Plevneliev arrived in China on Sunday for a four-day state visit at Chinese President Xi Jinping's invitation.